UCB announced a definitive agreement to acquire Neurona Therapeutics on April 17, 2026, for a total value of up to $1.15 billion, including $650 million upfront and up to $500 million in milestone payments.12
The acquisition targets Neurona's lead asset, NRTX-1001, a regenerative neuronal cell therapy in Phase I/II trials for drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE).123
NRTX-1001 uses pluripotent stem cell technology to deliver GABA-producing cells via a single dose to repair neural circuitry and reduce seizures.13
The deal builds on UCB's 30-year epilepsy leadership, expanding into regenerative medicine; transaction expected to close by end of Q2 2026, subject to antitrust clearance.12
UCB confirms 2026 revenue guidance unchanged, with adjusted EBITDA growth updated to high single-digit to mid-teens percentage range at CER.2
Sources:
1. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ucb-to-acquire-neurona-therapeutics-advancing-its-innovative-leadership-in-epilepsy-through-regenerative-science-302746167.html
2. https://www.ucb.com/newsroom/press-releases/article/ucb-to-acquire-neurona-therapeutics-advancing-its-innovative-leadership-in-epilepsy-through-regenerative-science
3. https://european-biotechnology.com/latest-news/ucb-spends-on-cell-therapy-biotech-for-potential-regenerative-epilepsy-therapy/